Confused About HVAC? Here are the Maintenance Basics for Your Home's Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning

You may have heard the term "HVAC" before, but you may not be entirely sure what this entails. HVAC stands for "heating, ventilation, and air conditioning." These types of systems are found in homes and other buildings, and their overall purpose is to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and improve the air quality of a space.

Many times, however, homeowners are unsure how to keep their HVAC systems in good working order. Heating and cooling equipment can require regular HVAC inspections and maintenance by a qualified licensed electrician. If you're wondering just what your central heating and cooling systems might need, however, here are some services that licensed electricians from reliable heating and cooling companies can perform for you:

Heating systems
Your furnace is essential for heating your home during the coldest months of the year. However, it's also something that you don't want to break down when you need it most. In order to keep the heat on, get your furnace checked before the winter. It may need a cleaning or other maintenance, along with your thermostat, which may need repair or replacement.

Ventilation
Much of the air quality in your home depends on the filters you use in your furnace and central air conditioner. Be sure to change them when the manufacturer or your HVAC technician recommend it. Your home may also benefit from having the air ducts cleaned in order to keep them free of dust, pollen, and other home allergens.

Air conditioning
Air conditioning first rose to popularity during the Great Depression, when movie theaters offered it to bring in patrons. By 1980, however, the U.S. was consuming more air conditioning than any other country on Earth, despite only having about 5% of the world's total population. This trend has continued today, so Americans are encouraged to use efficient home cooling methods when possible.

One of these methods is to only cool your home when necessary. Conserve energy by not lowering the thermostat too much, leaving the temperature up when you're not home, and opening your windows on more temperate days. Also, just like with heating systems, getting your air conditioner inspected each year before you begin using it can ensure fewer surprises in the midsummer heat.

Have more questions about HVAC maintenance? Contact a licensed electrician who can evaluate the needs of your home.

What kind of maintenance do you perform on your home's HVAC system? Tell us in the comments.